Boise State Explore Magazine 2012

Boise State Explore Magazine 2012

Explore, the research magazine of Boise State University, is published annually by the Division of Research and Economic Development with support from the Office of Communications and Marketing. The magazine highlights outstanding faculty research, scholarly endeavors and creative activity and supports the university’s advancement as an emerging metropolitan research university of distinction.

BOISE STATE 2012 On the cover: Dr. Greg Hampikian, who has joint appointments in the departments of Biological Sciences and Criminal Justice, pursues diverse projects involving DNA. Cover photo by John Kelly Inset photo by Benjamin Hampikian Boise State University Explore Magazine 2012 Vol. 4, No. 1 PRESIDENT Dr. Bob Kustra VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH AND ECO- NOMIC DEVELOPMENT/ EXECUTIVE EDITOR Dr. Mark Rudin EDITOR Janelle Brown PHOTOGRAPHERS John Kelly Carrie Quinney DESIGNER Ann Hottinger ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kathleen Tuck WRITERS Mike Journee Matt Pene Sherry Squires CONTRIBUTING WRITER Anna Webb 24 Amped Education Across the Boise State campus, research and teaching are inte- grated in classrooms, laboratories and fieldwork, strengthening the overall education of students and contributing to research endeavors in many fields of study. Powering the Future From developing new sources for biofuels to assessing Idaho’s energy footprint and researching advanced materials for nuclear reactors, Boise State faculty are pursuing a wide range of energy- related projects. 18 18 Game-based Learning A powerful new education plat- form, driven in part by Boise State research, explores how quest-based programs and virtual worlds can enhance student learning. 12 12 24 F eatures THE RESEARCH MAGAZINE OF BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY